Coedpoeth company boss hails Welsh Labour employment scheme

The owner of a Coedpoeth company has praised a pioneering job creation scheme which has helped 14,000 young people in Wales into work.

Adam Wynne, who runs Wynne Joinery and Building, thanked the Welsh Labour Government for the ‘great opportunity’ of being part of Jobs Growth Wales following a recent visit from Clwyd South AM Ken Skates.

Mr Skates spearheaded the flagship programme in his previous role as the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, and said Jobs Growth Wales was leading the way for schemes of its type across Europe.

Mr Wynne said: “The Jobs Growth Wales programme has been a great opportunity and has really helped my business to grow. I was very happy with the support I received and I have since been able to offer the young person a permanent position within the business.”

The scheme – funded with the help of European money – reimburses employers the cost of taking on 16 to 24-year-olds for the first six months, giving unemployed young people a chance to earn money and valuable experience.

According to recent figures, Jobs Growth Wales has created 16,775 employment opportunities since the Welsh Labour Government launched it in April 2012. Just under 14,000 young people have filled those openings – including almost 1,000 in Wrexham and Denbighshire.

Mr Skates said: “It’s great to hear how Adam and his company have benefited from this Welsh Labour Government programme – another Jobs Growth Wales success story!

“The latest figures show around 83% of Jobs Growth Wales employees working in the private sector progress into employment or further learning after completing their placements. As well as quality work experience and essential skills, we’re providing career opportunities and supporting young people’s progression into sustained employment like nowhere else in the UK.”

The initiative has been so successful that it will be replicated and rolled out across the UK if Labour is in power after the General Election in May.

Mr Skates added: “The Welsh Labour Government set extremely ambitious success targets for Jobs Growth Wales, and I’m delighted to say we’re well on the way to smashing them with the help of EU support.”

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